Multiple Choice
In the context of organic chemistry, how does a molecular clock allow scientists to study evolutionary history?
1. A Review of General Chemistry
Intro to Organic Chemistry
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In the context of organic chemistry, why is clumped distribution of molecules common in nature?
A
Molecules are evenly distributed due to uniform energy levels.
B
Molecules tend to aggregate due to hydrophobic interactions.
C
Molecules repel each other due to similar charges.
D
Molecules are randomly distributed due to entropy.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of hydrophobic interactions: These are non-covalent interactions that occur when nonpolar molecules or molecular regions aggregate in aqueous solutions to minimize their exposure to water.
Recognize that in biological systems, many molecules have hydrophobic regions that tend to cluster together to reduce the unfavorable interactions with water, leading to a clumped distribution.
Consider the role of entropy: While entropy generally favors randomness, the aggregation of hydrophobic molecules actually increases the overall entropy of the system by freeing water molecules that were previously ordered around individual hydrophobic molecules.
Differentiate between hydrophobic interactions and other forces: Unlike electrostatic repulsion, which occurs between similarly charged molecules, hydrophobic interactions are driven by the exclusion of water rather than direct attraction between molecules.
Apply this understanding to biological contexts: For example, the formation of cell membranes and protein folding are driven by hydrophobic interactions, leading to organized structures despite the tendency towards disorder.
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